Elizabeth Anne Brugman – Physiotherapist | Niagara Falls, ON

Elizabeth Anne Brugman is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Active Life Rehab + in Niagara Falls, ON, Elizabeth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elizabeth's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Elizabeth also addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Elizabeth serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Elizabeth Anne Brugman completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elizabeth has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Elizabeth's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Niagara Falls community through proactive physiotherapy. Elizabeth adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Elizabeth Anne Brugman offers consultations in English.

Elizabeth Anne Brugman provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Elizabeth can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Elizabeth, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Active Life Rehab +, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Elizabeth frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Elizabeth frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• The path to recovery from feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience for reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches often starts with expert guidance. Elizabeth, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• With Elizabeth's help, managing my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking to achieve improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Don't let hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side dictate what you can and cannot do. Elizabeth offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache and enjoy a more functional life.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Elizabeth, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Elizabeth practices at Active Life Rehab +, located in the Stamford Centre, in the North End neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to the QEW and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What is Active Life Rehab +'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Active Life Rehab +
8685 Lundy's Lane, #8
Niagara Falls, ON, L2H 1H4

Phone: (905) 358-8088

Elizabeth Anne Brugman is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX24

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c5ec0c98-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.